Transformative Changes in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) has introduced significant changes in India's educational landscape, particularly in ECCE. Historically, government schools started admitting children only from Class one, leading to inequity. The NEP aims to address this by introducing preschool classes for children aged 3-6 years in government schools, previously served only by Anganwadis.
Key Structural Shifts in ECCE
The NEP has initiated three major shifts in the ECCE sector:
1. Expansion of the ECCE sector
- The NEP plans to universalise ECCE by 2030, significantly expanding the sector.
- The existing 14 lakh Anganwadi centres will expand with the introduction of three preschool classes (Balvatika-1,2,3) in government schools.
- States are utilising budgets from the Samagra Shiksha scheme to introduce preschool classes, although some have not fully utilised this provision.
2. Emphasis on Education
- There is a growing preference for educational services over traditional ECCE services like health and nutrition.
- In Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, preschool classes are prioritised in primary schools, leading to migration from Anganwadis.
- The Anganwadi system must adapt by integrating education into its services through initiatives like 'Poshan bhi Padhai bhi'.
- Schools need to avoid excessive 'schoolification' and maintain play as a central element of preschool education.
3. Reorientation of the Anganwadi System
- A potential shift towards focusing on children aged 0-3 years through home visits, rather than on 3-6 year-olds at centres.
- Research supports the benefits of home visits in early childhood development.
- Anganwadi workers currently focus on 3-6 year olds due to resource constraints.
- If government schools take over 3-6 year-olds, Anganwadi could focus more on 0-3 year-olds and maternal care.
Conclusion
The NEP 2020 has sown the seeds for a transformative change in India's ECCE framework, emphasising equity, educational focus, and age-appropriate care. However, successful implementation depends on addressing practical challenges and ensuring adequate resource allocation.